Children’s books not only create imaginary worlds of wonder, they also create invaluable learning experiences for children that can alter their lives for the better. A staggering 85% of defendants in juvenile court are functionally illiterate; meaning they are unable to complete everyday reading and writing demands. Fortunately, illiteracy can be conquered.

One way to overcome illiteracy is by developing a love for reading in a child at a very early age. That’s why the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Association of Public Health Dentistry have teamed up to create a book drive that benefits patients of the Children’s Clinic here at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

Volunteers read books with children (ages two to thirteen) in the waiting room of the Children’s Clinic. The great thing about this book drive is that once the children have finished reading a book with a volunteer, they get to take the book home with them.

Dr. Maturo, a faculty member of the Children’s Clinic, came up with the idea for the book drive after noticing how often children watch television. “Watching television doesn’t encourage one’s imagination like being read aloud to does.” As an avid reader, Dr. Maturo wanted to instill his passion for books into children. “If you read to a child, you can spark a love for reading at a very early age… I read to my children when they were young and now those are some of their fondest memories”.

If you have a new children’s book that you would like to donate to our book drive, collection boxes have been set up in the dental school at the information desks on all three floors and in the PCC’s offices in between the green and blue clinics. A collection box has also been set up in the foyer of the Taubman Health Science Library. Questions and comments can be sent to Scott Michels at srmichel@umich.edu.

Together we can change these children’s lives for the better!

Scott Michels is a D2 and Co-Creator of the Children’s Clinic Book Drive